Older, yes. Wiser, probably a little.

I feel like the whole last week or so has been birthday stuff, and, self-centered as it sounds, all I really have to write about is these celebrations of myself. Then again, I guess what I usually write about is what I did over the weekend, so really it's not such an egotistical leap, but the only difference is this particular week everyone else in my life was as equally focused on my life as this blog always is. Anyway, enough faux self deprecation, on to the birthday recap!

My first birthday gift was a break from the bitter cold. The day itself was a pleasant freezing, which really was quite warm when compared to the 9 degrees (with negative degree wind chills) from the previous two days. I was able to go to my morning workout in relative comfort. I also credit the balmy 32 degree weather with upping the number of attendants at my birthday party that night. Really it was just drinks at a fun, low key bar in Astoria (Mosaic, for those following this for exciting Astoria-specific news), but while I have some good friends, I wouldn't have faulted them if they hadn't joined had my special day fallen during the polar vortex. 

I didn't take any pictures of the wonderful people who celebrated with me this past week/weekend, but I did photograph these flowers that Sam got me. 

 On Saturday, I had a nice brunch in Manhattan with some friends who couldn't make it to the party on Thursday and most of whom I hadn't seen since before the holidays. Brunch and catching up are always good times, and after brunching we took a walk through Madison Square Park. I used to go all the time, and forget that by working from home, that I really don't anymore. There was even a new, obtuse art piece up that I almost missed!

See, it looks like a regular tree being needlessly manipulated with ropes and boulders, but in reality, it's a tree made of bronze. The boulders are real though, I think.

On Sunday, the celebrations continued with even more brunching, this time with Sam's family. We ate cake (see below) back at our place, which was and is often the best part of any birthday.

The aforementioned cake. The flowers sadly are a bit the worse for wear.

 Today, I woke up content in the knowledge that birthday week 2014 had ended. I was prepared to confront the fact that now begins the yearly three month slog until spring. However, as luck would have it, there was one last birthday treat in store (other than eating the rest of the above cake for breakfast). My mom sent me this wonderful scarf, which should brighten up the rest of winter quite nicely.

Thanks, Mom!

All in all, this birthday was not too shabby. I think 28 is going to be all right.